Herbert Smith Freehills has advised RAC on the acquisition of Australia’s first fully driverless and electric shuttle bus.
The RAC Intellibus uses self-driving technology to drive on open roads, autonomously interacting with traffic, cyclists, pedestrians and other obstacles.
RAC is currently trialling the bus along the South Perth Esplanade, with members of the public able to register to be among the first passengers.
Herbert Smith Freehills structured and drafted the transaction documents for the bus, advised on the support and maintenance arrangements and acted for RAC in its negotiations with the French supplier, NAVYA SAS.
The team was also required to consider and advise on the unique issues arising in respect of procuring and supporting such novel technology.
The team was led by Partner Tony Joyner and Senior Associate Matthew O’Leary, with assistance from Solicitor Mathew Stone.
Tony Joyner said, "this was an incredibly cool project to be involved in. Self-driving cars have gone from science-fiction to reality in just a few years. In a few more years they’ll be ubiquitous, and will fundamentally change the way we think about transportation. It’s exciting to have helped RAC play a role in this transformation."